Dumbbell has different names which include weight set, free weight, hand weight, weights, gym weight. In this article, to maintain consistency, we will refer them to as dumbbell.

Dumbbells are the basic strength training equipment in the gym. Usually placed in the corner of the gym, the dumbbell training area is also in an inconspicuous position in the gym. You might think that humble dumbbells are all the same.

This is not the case. The basic shape of a dumbbell is actual quite similar – a handle with weights at both ends. However, there are many types of dumbbells on the market, and there are many differences in their materials and ergonomics.

Gym owners know that all gyms must have a lot of dumbbells to meet the needs of members and to suit the style of the gym.

Over years of experience in producing and exporting dumbbells, Speck has become a top dumbbell manufacturer and is now qualified to offer some insight and knowledge for gym owners and potential gym owners who have been considering buying some fitness equipment. In this dumbbells-purchasing guide we will give you some useful advice and tips you need to source / import the equipment that suits your gym and members best.

Dumbbell Industry Region in China

China is abundant in raw materials and sophisticated workers for the production of dumbbells, which has helped it become a favored destination of fitness equipment such as dumbbells.

The same industry is usually clustered together in one or several areas. The industrial agglomeration effect is conducive to human resource integration and cost reduction. The same goes for the dumbbell production industry. About half of the world’s dumbbells are produced in the following 6 cities/regions.

Nantong City in Jiangsu province

Shanghai

Shijiazhuang City in Hebei Province

Qingdao City in Shandong Province

Jinan City in Shandong Province

Oubei Town, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province

The quality of dumbbells in Nantong City and Shanghai is the best, but they are relatively more expensive compared with those in Hebei province. And dumbbells made in Shandong and Zhejiang province are generally more favored by buyers because of their years of experience and name recognition.

Fitness Equipment & Sporting Goods Trade Fair

If you want to communicate with custom dumbbell supplier face to face and also have the chance to feel and try the equipment in person, attending trading show is a good choice. Here are popular fitness equipment trade fairs for you.

China Import and Export Fair

China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair is a well-known trade fair held in spring and autumn respectively every year in Guangzhou. This fair is hosted by Ministry of Commerce of China and the government of Guangdong Province.

The fair offers a wide range of exhibitions from electronic appliances and construction tools to fashion goods to fitness & sporting products. You can find all sorts of fitness equipment at the health and recreation booth, which includes water sports, outdoor sports, winter sports and body building and shaping equipment. The Canton Fair can meet almost all of the demands of sports lovers and we believe you will find the equipment that suits you best.

Pavilion address: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou

Website: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn

China (Shanghai) International Health, Wellness, Fitness Expo

IWF Shanghai is the largest UFI certified fitness equipment trading event in Asia and it is held during March every year in Shanghai.

After eight years of operation, IWF 2022 will remain committed to the theme of ‘Technology, Innovation’, and further expand its exhibition scale and introduce health food, winter sports and fitness apparel such as adjustable dumbbells and treadmills to meet different customers’ demands.

In order to create a better platform for both its exhibitors and purchasers, IWF introduces lots of measures to improve domestic and international business, and offers free services such as ticket, accommodation and city tours.

Pavilion address: Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), No. 2345, Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Website: https://www.ciwf.com.cn/en/

SPOE

SPOE is an annual sports technology exhibition in Shenzhen. As the only large-scale sports exhibition in Shenzhen, SPOE actively responds to national policies and integrates local resources. Relying on Shenzhen’s scientific and technological innovation, vitality and huge sports fans, SPOE continues to display a fashionable, innovative, professional and international sports exhibition.

At the sports technology booth you can see smart wearable devices, VR headsets, smart wheels and e-sports games.

And the outdoor sports booth offers equipment for rock climbing, camping and hiking as well as tools for fishing and board games.

It will take place in Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center and click the website to find more about the exhibition http://www.spoe.cn/home.

ISPO Beijing

ISPO Beijing is a champion sports platform in the Asia Pacific region. Its customers include all companies and individuals that engage in sports industry. As an international leading sports business platform, ISPO has committed to offering service for the sports industry and it will provide you with uninterrupted services throughout the year. You can notice the sports goods it displays such as snowboard, dumbbells, helmets yoga mats and so on.

Pavilion address: Beijing National Convention Center, No. 8, North Fourth Ring Middle Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Website:http://beijing.ispo.com.cn/.

The Types of Dumbbells

According to the material and manufacturing process of dumbbells, they also fall into seven sub-categories:

  1. Wood steel dumbbell
  2. Water dumbbell
  3. Electroplated dumbbell
  4. Plastic-dipped dumbbell
  5. Rubber-coated dumbbell
  6. Sponge dumbbell
  7. Baking varnish dumbbell

Click and read more about the types of dumbbells: Classification of Dumbbells

Depending on whether the weight can be adjusted, dumbbells can be classified into three main types:

  1. Fixed-weight
  2. Spinlock adjustable dumbbell
  3. Selectorized adjustable dumbbell

The three common types of dumbbells mainly vary in how they adjust their weight.

Here we will give you an overview of the different kinds of dumbbells and some tips on how to choose one that suits you.

Spinlock adjustable dumbbell

Spinlock adjustable dumbbells are the type that comprises a handle bar and separate weight plates. It allows you to change the weight by adding or removing weight plates and lock them with the “spinlock” nut.

Selectorized adjustable dumbbell

Selectorized dumbbells contains a dumbbell unit that contains several weight settings. You will be able to change the weight with a switch mechanism which designed differently by each manufacturer. There are some common weights for these dumbbells that range from 20lbs to 90lbs.

Spinlock adjustable: Spinlock dumbbells are designed with a handle and weight plates. You can remove and add different weight plates to form different weight loads for your training. The handle has threaded grooves on each side and it allows a spin lock nut to fasten the weight plates against the handle.

And the above-mentioned are the three of the mainstream dumbbells that are widely used and dominate the market.

Dumbbell Manufacturing Process

Click and read more about dumbbell manufacturing process

Best Buying Tips

There are myriads of dumbbells on the market and it can be difficult to choose the one that meet your demand. Here are some tips on what you should take into consideration when buying your own dumbbells.

The most important tip is that, do not purchase adjustable dumbbells which are expensive and not durable enough for gym.

Let’s move on.

Material

It is a key factor when you consider buying fitness equipment. Thus, it is very essential to think about and do some research on what the material used in dumbbells. Nowadays, many materials can be used in producing dumbbells. But if you choose the dumbbells made with rubber, you should know that any products made with rubber has an odor. Besides, you should choose the material that best suits your health and training. Besides, you may also want to do your fair share for the environment so it is worthwhile to take the environment into consideration. Rubber dumbbells now have become popular because they helps reduce the discomfort of dropping dumbbells.

Weight Range

Weight is another important factor that gym owners need to consider because different trainees have different training goals. Generally speaking, lighter dumbbells are the most ideal choice for beginners and people who want to start from a light workout. Therefore, as the gym owner, you should consider the needs of all of your customers. We suggest you buy the full sets from the lightest to the heaviest for your members to exercise with.

Grip And Handle

Dumbbells can be heavy and you do not want to see them slip away from trainees’ hands. The grip and handle of dumbbells are very important because they help your customers prevent injury and slipping. Most metal handles are equipped with a cross-hatch design which gives trainees extra grip, particularly if their hands get sweaty easily. And heavier dumbbells with a stable and rough grip are even more essential.

Durability

The durability of fitness equipment and the quality of fitness equipment can be very essential for a gym, because fitness equipment with a longer lifespan helps save money and release the financial burden of the gym owner. Beside you should also consider the after-sales service in order to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Fixed-weight

Fixed-weight hex or round dumbbells are those with two weights fixed onto either end of the handle. It has a pre-designed weight that cannot be removed or adjusted, which requires you to buy a set of dumbbells to offer all the weight increase for your training. And that type of dumbbells can be inconvenient for home gyms.

Wrap It Up

We believe you will find the right dumbbells that satisfy you and hopefully these tips may help you decide which dumbbells you are going to have.

As a wholesale custom dumbbell manufacturer, we are here to help. Please feel free to contact us for any further information about bulk dumbbells that you consider buying.